German prefab firm WeberHaus and architect Peter C. Jakob of Bauart have made a stylish case for sustainable living with the modular concept ‘Option House’. Driven by a modern aesthetic and energy-efficient elements, Option is a fully functional, light-filled dwelling that delivers low-impact living in just 70 square meters of elegant and understated space.

As a two-story cube, ‘Option’ offers living and dining rooms, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms. All are illuminated with natural light from four generous and strategically placed windows. Awnings or terraces can be configured around the basic version or expanded layouts in L- or U- shapes. As a modular construct with a direct form, ‘Option’ can easily evolve with additional extensions.

In typical Deutsche building form, ‘Option’ has a highly developed and insulated building envelope, apparent at any window-wall junction. The combination of excellent thermal comfort, ample natural daylight, concise space and fossil-fuel free heating elements makes this prefab equally friendly to experience, economy and environment.

[...] a relatively new concept in the US, the German company Weberhaus has long been developing prefab house construction technology for 50 years. Designed by Studio H:T [...]

ollie carrollNovember 6, 2008 at 6:43 pm

building timber frame home in ireland

SimonMay 13, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Flat roofs contribute to urban heat effet when they’re covered with dark surfaces, with low reflectivity. I’ve read it can reach around 80 C (176 F). To solve this problem it is now possible to use white and reflective materials.

[...] popping up next to another. This lead them to design the installation as a series of interconnected modular structures (14 in all) specialized for a variety of functions including event halls, butterfly reserves, and [...]

John W.January 6, 2008 at 6:49 pm

While I love this design esthetically, I always thought flat roofs were a no-no due to the fact that they created heat which is sent back up to the environment contributing to the warming of our planet. Isn’t that why we were suppose to place gardens on top of these buildings? I’m not seeing the green on top are you?

NaomiDecember 30, 2007 at 3:17 pm

My question is, why aren’t these energy efficient modular offerings/designs ever more “cozy” looking? Because, not everyone has this ultra-modern taste…. including me. I feel that if there could be some “softer designs” offered in addition that there would likely be an even broader appeal for this lifestyle choice of living smaller, as it were.

amitDecember 30, 2007 at 6:16 am

i loved interior spaces and volume of architecture and the way it is materialised.